Anti-fuel theft device and method therefor

ABSTRACT

An anti-fuel theft device for a fuel tank is disclosed. The device has a body member that has a channel that covers the filler tube and cap assembly of the fuel tank, a ring member coupled to a top portion of the body member, a lid assembly coupled to and forming a cover over a top portion of the ring member, a hinging mechanism coupled to the ring member and to the lid assembly for pivoting the lid assembly over the ring member, and a locking mechanism coupled to the lid assembly. Flanges on the lid members may form a collar over the lip member to prevent a person from prying the lid members off of the device. The device may also have a guard device to prevent tampering of a locking device that may be used to lock the lid assembly.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to a corresponding provisional application U.S. Ser. No. 61/092,615, filed Aug. 28, 2008 in the name of the Applicant of this application.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to an anti-tampering device for fuel tanks and, more specifically, to anti-theft, anti-tampering device which is connected to the fuel tank or the surrounding sheet metal so that the filler tube and cap are completely enclosed by the device, thereby preventing intruders from gaining access to the fuel tank.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

With the price of fuel on the rise, so increases the rate of occurrence of fuel theft. In the past, there have been numerous types of devices for preventing the tampering of fuel contained in a fuel tank. Such devices include caps that are locked on the fuel neck, locking covers that wrap around the neck, and devices that are inserted into the tank. However, each of the above mentioned devices have several drawbacks. Most prior art devices do not fit all fuel tanks or fuel neck sizes. Many of the prior art devices interfere with fueling, or are not designed for certain vehicles, such as construction machinery. Additionally, some prior art devices were excessively bulky, unnecessarily complicated, or too expensive. Furthermore, the design of some of these prior art devices lacked sufficient protection of the lock, in that the lock was exposed to potential cutting, prying, or torque related damage.

Therefore, a need existed to provide a system and method to overcome the above problems. The system and method allows for simple and universal installment which allows for inexpensive permanent securing of a fuel tank in a very efficient way.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An anti-fuel theft device for a fuel tank is disclosed. The anti-fuel theft device comprises a body member having a channel to receive at least a portion of a filler tube and cap assembly of the fuel tank, a ring member coupled to a top portion of the body member, a lid assembly coupled to and forming a cover over a top portion of the ring member, a hinging mechanism coupled to the ring member and to the lid assembly for pivoting the lid assembly over the ring member, and a locking mechanism coupled to the lid assembly.

An anti-fuel theft device for a fuel tank is disclosed. The anti-fuel theft device comprises a cylindrical body member that has a channel to receive both a filler tube and cap assembly, a circular ring member coupled to a top portion of the body member, the ring member having a lip member that extends over a top edge of the body member, a lid assembly comprising a first semi-circular lid member and a second semi-circular lid member, that when positioned together, form a circular cover over a top portion of the ring member, a hinging mechanism coupled to the lid assembly and to the lip member and for pivoting the lid members over the ring member, and a locking mechanism coupled to the lid assembly.

An anti-fuel theft device for a fuel tank is disclosed. The device comprises a cylindrical body member that has a channel to receive both a filler tube and cap assembly, a circular ring member coupled to a top portion of the body member, the ring member having a lip member that extends over a top edge of the body member, a lid assembly comprising a first semi-circular lid member and a second semi-circular lid member, that when positioned together, form a circular cover over a top portion of the ring member, and a flange coupled to a bottom perimeter of each lid member, wherein the flanges form a collar that engages and covers the ring member when the lid members are positioned together. The device also comprise a hinging mechanism coupling the lid assembly to the lip member and for pivoting the lid members over the ring member, wherein the hinging mechanism comprises: an opening formed through the lip member of the ring member; a first hinge tab member that has an opening formed therethrough and that is coupled to a portion of the first lid member; a second hinge tab member that has an opening formed therethrough and that is coupled to a bottom outer flange surface of the second lid member; and a rod member that passes through and is coupled to the openings in the hinge tab members and the opening in the lip member. And the device also comprises a locking mechanism coupled to the lid assembly, wherein the locking mechanism comprises: a first locking tab that has an opening formed therethrough and that is coupled to a top outer face of the first lid member and coupled in a central area along a flat edge of the first lid member; and a corresponding second locking tab that has an opening formed therethrough and that is coupled to a top outer face of the second lid member and coupled in a central area along a flat edge of the second lid member; wherein the first locking tab and the second locking tab are flush with each other and the openings are in axial alignment when the lid members are positioned together; and a locking device that passes through the aligned openings of the locking tabs to secure the locking tabs together.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an elevated perspective of the anti-theft device of the present invention in the closed and locked position;

FIG. 2 is an elevated perspective of the anti-theft device in its open position;

FIG. 3 is a top-down perspective of the anti-theft device in its closed position with no lock attached;

FIG. 4 is an elevated perspective of the anti-theft device in its closed position with no lock attached;

FIG. 5 is a side perspective of the anti-theft device in its closed position so oriented that the tabs for placing the pad lock through hidden from view;

FIG. 6 is a side perspective of the anti-theft device in its closed position so oriented that the hinging mechanism is in view and the interlocking flange mechanism can not be seen;

FIG. 7 is an elevated perspective view of the anti-theft device of the present invention installed;

FIG. 8 is a top and side view of the ring member forming part of the anti-theft device of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a top view of the rod member forming part of the anti-theft device of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a top and side view of the body member forming part of the anti-theft device of the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a top and side view of one section of the lid assembly forming part of the anti-theft device of the present invention;

FIG. 12 is a top and side view of the guard device forming part of the anti-theft device of the present invention; and

FIG. 13 is a top and side view of a second section of the lid assembly forming part of the anti-theft device of the present invention.

Common reference numerals are used throughout the drawings and detailed descriptions to indicate like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention solves the various protection issues mentioned in the background of the invention as it protects the lock from damage caused by torsion by providing a guard that encompasses the lock, and protects the device from prying damage by including a flange feature which prevents insertion of a lever into the device.

Referring to the Figures, one embodiment of an anti-fuel theft device 1 (hereinafter device 1) of the present invention will be disclosed. The device 1 is to be used with a fuel tank which will prevent fuel theft, tampering, or vandalism.

The device 1 has a body member 14. In accordance with one embodiment, the body member 14 is a cylindrical tube and formed of a metallic material. However, this is shown as one example and should not be seen as to limit the scope of the present invention.

The body member 14 is dimensioned so that the channel 14A of the body member 14 is of a sufficient width and height to allow the body member 14 to be positioned over a filler tube and cap assembly 20 of a fuel tank 22. The body member 14 is generally slightly higher than the filler tube and cap assembly 20 so as to cover the filler tube and cap assembly 20.

The body member 14 is generally attached to the fuel tank 22 (or surrounding sheet metal) and over filler tube 20. In accordance with one embodiment, the body member 14 is permanently attached to the fuel tank 22 so that the device 1 may not be removed. The body portion 14 may be attached to the fuel tank 22 or surrounding sheet metal by welding or by other means.

A top section of the body member 14 is coupled to a bottom section of a ring member 16 so that the ring member 16 sits atop and is attached to the body member 14. In general, the ring member 16 is permanently attached to the body member 14. In the embodiment depicted in the Figures, the ring member 16 is positioned on and attached to the body member 14 so that the ring member 16 has the same longitudinal axis as the body member 14. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the ring member 16 is circular and made of a metallic material. In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, the body member 14 and the ring member 16 may be cast as a single unit.

The ring member 16 will have a width defined by an inner radius 16A and an outer radius 16B. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the inner radius 16A may be approximately equal to or less than an inner diameter of the body member 14. The outer radius 16B is slightly larger than an outer radius of the body member 14 on which it sits, creating a lip member 16C which extends over the top edge of the body member 14.

A hinging mechanism 6 is part of the outer radius of the ring member 16 and to a lid assembly 9. In accordance with one embodiment, the lid assembly 9 comprises lid members 10 and 12. The hinging mechanism 6 has an axis of rotation substantially parallel to the center axis of the body member 14 and the center axis of the ring member 16. In the embodiment depicted in the Figures, the hinging mechanism 6 is formed of 2 tab members. In accordance with one embodiment, a first tab member 24A is part of one half of the lid assembly 10. A second tab member 24B is attached to a bottom outer flange surface of the half lid 12 ring. The pair of tab members 24A and 24B is positioned so that the opening 26 is in axial alignment. A rod member 27 is positioned in the opening 26 and attached to the tab members 24 and is used as the axis of rotation or pivot point for the hinging mechanism 6. In accordance with one embodiment the rod member 27 is positioned in the opening 26 and through a spacer ring 26A and attached to the tab members 24A and 24B.

Attached to, and rotating about, the axis of rotation of the hinging mechanism 6 is a lid assembly 9. The lid assembly 9 comprises lid members 10 and 12. In the embodiment shown, the lid members 10 and 12 are semi-circular in shape. When the lid members 10 and 12 are positioned together, the lid members 10 and 12 form a circular cover over the ring member 16 with an outer face of the lid members 10 and 12 facing upward, and with the inner face the lid members 10 and 12 facing downward and in substantial contact with the top surface of the cylindrically-shaped ring 16. The longitudinal central axis of the circular cover formed by the lid members 10 and 12 in the closed position is substantially identical to that of the aforementioned ring member 16 and body member 14. To expose the opening in the ring member 16, the pair of lid members 10 and 12 will rotate outward about the axis of rotation of the hinging mechanism 6 as shown in FIG. 2.

A flange 18 is attached to a lower perimeter of each lid member 10 and 12. When the lid members 10 and 12 are positioned together, the flange 18 on each of the lid members 10 and 12 engage and cover the lip member 16C of the ring member 16 which extends over the top edge of the body member 14. The flange 18 will form a collar over the lip member 16C. The collar formed by the flange 18 prevents a person from prying the lid members 10 and 12 off of the device 1 since the flange 18 engages and covers the lip member 16C.

Coupled to each lid members 10 and 12 is a locking tab 2. The locking tab 2 will have an opening 4 formed there through. The locking tab 2 is generally placed on each lid member 10 and 12 in a central area along a flat edge 10A and 12A respectively of lid members 10 and 12. When the lid members 10 and 12 are positioned together in a closed position, the locking tabs 2 will be approximately planer with one another and the opening 4 of each locking tab 2 will be in axial alignment. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, when the lid members 10 and 12 are positioned together in a closed position, the locking tabs 2 will be flush with each other and the opening 4 of each locking tab 2 will be in axial alignment.

Coupled to one of the lid members 10 or 12 is a guard device 8. In the embodiment shown in the Figures, the guard device 8 is placed on the lid member 12. However, this is just shown as an example as the guard device 8 may be placed on either lid member 10 or 12. The guard device 8 is used to prevent tampering of a locking device 28 which is used to secure and lock the locking tabs 2 together. The guard device 8 is a shaped to conform to the shape of the locking device 28. In the embodiment depicted in the Figures, the guard device 8 is circular in shape. An opening 30 is formed in the guard device 8. The opening 30 is used to expose the keyhole 28A of the locking device 28 when the locking device 28 is positioned on the device 1 to secure the locking tabs 2 together. The opening 30 thus allows a user to insert a key into the keyhole to unlock the device 1.

In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the locking device 28 is one wherein the shackle used to lock the locking tabs 2 together is internal to the locking device 28. Thus, the shackle is not exposed. By using this type of locking device 28, one is prevented from trying to use a lock cutting tool to cut the shackle thereby opening the device 1.

This disclosure provides exemplary embodiments of the present invention. The scope of the present invention is not limited by these exemplary embodiments. Numerous variations, whether explicitly provided for by the specification or implied by the specification, such as variations in structure, dimension, type of material and manufacturing process may be implemented by one of skill in the art in view of this disclosure. 

1. An anti-fuel theft device for a fuel tank comprising: a body member having a channel to receive at least a portion of a filler tube and cap assembly of the fuel tank; a ring member coupled to a top portion of the body member; a lid assembly coupled to and forming a cover over a top portion of the ring member; a hinging mechanism coupled to the ring member and to the lid assembly for pivoting the lid assembly over the ring member; and a locking mechanism coupled to the lid assembly.
 2. The anti-fuel theft device of claim 1 wherein the channel of the body member has a height and a width greater than a height and a width of both the filler tube and cap assembly together.
 3. The anti-fuel theft device of claim 1 wherein the body member is a cylindrical tube and wherein the ring member is circular and has the same longitudinal axis as the body member.
 4. The anti-fuel theft device of claim 3 wherein the ring member comprises a lip member that extends over a top edge of the body member.
 5. The ant-fuel theft device of claim 4 wherein the lip member is formed by an inner radius of the ring member that is approximately equal to an inner radius of the cylindrical body member and by an outer radius of the ring member that is greater than an outer radius of the cylindrical body member.
 6. The anti-fuel theft device for a fuel tank of claim 1 wherein the lid assembly comprises a first lid member and a second lid member, that when positioned together, form the cover over the ring member.
 7. The anti-fuel theft device for a fuel tank of claim 1 wherein the cover formed by the lid assembly, the ring member, and the body member all have the same longitudinal central axis.
 8. The anti-fuel theft device of a fuel tank of claim 6 further comprising a flange coupled to a bottom perimeter of each lid member, wherein the flanges form a collar that engages and covers the ring member when the lid members are positioned together.
 9. The anti-fuel theft device for a fuel tank of claim 6 wherein the locking mechanism comprises: a first locking tab that has an opening formed therethrough and that is coupled to a top outer face of the first lid member; and a corresponding second locking tab that has an opening formed therethrough and that is coupled to a top outer face of the second lid member; wherein the first locking tab and the second locking tab are approximately planer with each other and the openings are in axial alignment when the lid members are positioned together.
 10. The anti-fuel theft device for a fuel tank of claim 6 further comprising a guard device coupled to a top surface of the lid assembly to prevent tampering with a locking device that secures the locking tabs together.
 11. The anti-fuel theft device for a fuel tank of claim 6 wherein the hinging mechanism comprises: a first hinge tab member that has an opening formed therethrough and that is coupled to a portion of the first lid member; a second hinge tab member that has an opening formed therethrough and that is coupled to a bottom outer flange surface of the second lid member; and a rod member that passes through the openings in the hinge tab members and that is coupled to the hinge tab members.
 12. The anti-fuel theft device for a fuel tank of claim 1 wherein the hinging mechanism has an axis of rotation that is parallel to a center axis of the body member and a center axis of the ring member.
 13. An anti-fuel theft device for a fuel tank comprising: a cylindrical body member that has a channel formed therein to receive both a filler tube and cap assembly of the fuel tank; a circular ring member coupled to a top portion of the body member, the ring member having a lip member that extends over a top edge of the body member; a lid assembly comprising a first semi-circular lid member and a second semi-circular lid member, that when positioned together, form a circular cover over a top portion of the ring member; a hinging mechanism coupled to the lid assembly and to the lip member and for pivoting the lid members over the ring member; and a locking mechanism coupled to the lid assembly.
 14. The anti-fuel theft device of a fuel tank of claim 13 further comprising a semi-circular flange coupled to a bottom perimeter of each semi-circular lid member, wherein the flanges form a collar that engages and covers the lip member of the ring member when the lid members are positioned together.
 15. The anti-fuel theft device for a fuel tank of claim 13 wherein the hinging mechanism comprises: an opening formed through the lip member of the ring member; a first hinge tab member that has an opening formed therethrough and that is coupled to a portion of the first lid member; a second hinge tab member that has an opening formed therethrough and that is coupled to a bottom outer flange surface of the second lid member; and a rod member that passes through and is coupled to the openings in the hinge tab members and the opening in the lip member.
 16. The anti-theft device for a fuel tank of claim 15 further comprising a spacer ring coupled between the hinge tab members and wherein the rod passes through the spacer ring and the openings in the hinge tab members.
 17. The anti-fuel theft device for a fuel tank of claim 13 wherein the locking mechanism comprises: a first locking tab that has an opening formed therethrough and that is coupled to a top outer face of the first lid member and coupled in a central area along a flat edge of the first lid member; and a corresponding second locking tab that has an opening formed therethrough and that is coupled to a top outer face of the second lid member and coupled in a central area along a flat edge of the second lid member; and wherein the first locking tab and the second locking tab are flush with each other and the openings are in axial alignment when the lid members are positioned together.
 18. The anti-fuel theft device for a fuel tank of claim 17 further comprising a circular guard device coupled to a top surface of one of the lid members to prevent tampering with a locking device that secures the locking tabs together and wherein the guard device is circular in shape and has an opening to expose a keyhole of the locking device.
 19. The anti-fuel theft device for a fuel tank of claim 13 wherein the cover formed by the lid assembly, the ring member, and the body member all have the same longitudinal central axis and wherein the hinging mechanism has an axis of rotation that is parallel to the central axis of the lid assembly, the ring member, and the body member.
 20. An anti-fuel theft device for a fuel tank comprising: a cylindrical body member that has a channel formed therein to receive both a filler tube and cap assembly of the fuel tank; a circular ring member coupled to a top portion of the body member, the ring member having a lip member that extends over a top edge of the body member; a lid assembly comprising a first semi-circular lid member and a second semi-circular lid member, that when positioned together, form a circular cover over a top portion of the ring member; a flange coupled to a bottom perimeter of each lid member, wherein the flanges form a collar that engages and covers the ring member when the lid members are positioned together; a hinging mechanism coupling the lid assembly to the lip member and for pivoting the lid members over the ring member, wherein the hinging mechanism comprises: an opening formed through the lip member of the ring member; a first hinge tab member that has an opening formed therethrough and that is coupled to a portion of the first lid member; a second hinge tab member that has an opening formed therethrough and that is coupled to a bottom outer flange surface of the second lid member; and a rod member that passes through and is coupled to the openings in the hinge tab members and the opening in the lip member; and a locking mechanism coupled to the lid assembly, wherein the locking mechanism comprises: a first locking tab that has an opening formed therethrough and that is coupled to a top outer face of the first lid member and coupled in a central area along a flat edge of the first lid member; and a corresponding second locking tab that has an opening formed therethrough and that is coupled to a top outer face of the second lid member and coupled in a central area along a flat edge of the second lid member; wherein the first locking tab and the second locking tab are flush with each other and the openings are in axial alignment when the lid members are positioned together; and a locking device that passes through the aligned openings of the locking tabs to secure the locking tabs together. 